Sinéad O'Connor was inspired by her row with Miley Cyrus

The 47-year-old singer/songwriter has spoken about the argument in which she criticised Miley's use of her body for publicity, which led the 'Wrecking Ball singer to mock Sinéad for her mental health issues.

The 'Nothing Compares 2 U' singer admitted that the argument inspired the cover photo for her new album 'I'm Not Bossy, I'm the Boss' in which she wears a tight dress and a dark wig.

Speaking to The Daily Telegraph newspaper, Sinéad said: "I learnt something very important from all that: you get a whole lot of publicity if you sex yourself up. There was no noble thought behind it."

However, Sinéad confirmed that she has not changed her image permanently, adding: "It's kind of fascinating what hair can do ... But I don't think anyone seriously expected me to keep that up.

"I just did a video, six hours in a wig and latex dress. I was sweating, it was disgusting. I discovered really why I haven't dressed like a girl more often. The upkeep would be awful."

"I don't necessarily fit into the mould that it seems females are supposed to fit into. I'm kind of irregular. My own hair is unruly. It's a mess. I feel more like me with it shaved."